Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Christmas is a time for joy, celebration, and of course, delicious treats. One such treat that brings smiles and delight comes in the form of Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. These cookies are not just your typical holiday sweet; they are soft, gooey, and studded with colorful holiday sprinkles that make them perfect for any festive gathering. Whether you are baking for a holiday party, family gathering, or simply to enjoy at home, these cookies are a must-try this season.

Why Make This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to whip up a batch of Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies. First and foremost, they are incredibly easy to make! The recipe requires simple ingredients that most people already have at home, meaning you won’t need to make a special trip to the store. This quick and hassle-free process is ideal for busy holiday schedules.

Furthermore, these cookies are soft and gooey, offering a unique texture that is hard to resist. The combination of cream cheese and butter gives the cookies a rich flavor that is both tender and delicious. When you bite into one, you’ll be greeted with a delightful blend of softness and chewiness, making it nearly impossible to have just one (or two!).

Another great reason to make these cookies is their visual charm. The colorful holiday sprinkles add a festive flair that brightens up any cookie platter. They are just as pleasing to the eyes as they are to the palate. Plus, presenting a batch of these cookies during the holidays will surely impress friends and family alike.

Whether you’re looking to fill your cookie jar, share with neighbors, or bring to a holiday gathering, these cookies are an excellent choice.

How to Make Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Making Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies is simple and straightforward. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll be on your way to creating a delightful cookie experience for everyone.

Ingredients

To create these soft and chewy cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 8 oz Full-fat Cream Cheese
• 1 cup Unsalted Butter
• 1 large Egg
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 box Yellow Cake Mix
• 1 cup Holiday Sprinkles
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar

These straightforward ingredients are likely already in your pantry, making your baking process seamless.

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and turn out just right.

2. Mix Cream Cheese and Butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and softened butter. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until it becomes creamy and smooth. You want a fluffy consistency, so make sure there are no lumps.

3. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Crack the large egg into the bowl and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. The egg acts as a binding agent, holding all your ingredients together.

4. Incorporate the Cake Mix: Gradually add the box of yellow cake mix to the mixture. Use low speed to mix until just combined. Avoid over-mixing; you don’t want your cookies to become tough.

5. Fold in Holiday Sprinkles: Take your cup of holiday sprinkles and gently fold them into the cookie dough. This step adds a joyful touch, brightening up the cookies with colorful bits.

6. Chill the Dough (Optional): If you prefer, you can chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling can help the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to scoop.

7. Scoop the Dough: Once you’re ready to bake, scoop out portions of dough. Roll each portion into a ball using your hands. Aim for golf ball-sized portions for a great cookie bite.

8. Coat with Powdered Sugar: Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar until fully covered. This sugary coating creates a beautiful and sweet exterior once baked.

9. Place on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared sheet, giving each ball some space since they will spread out while baking.

10. Bake the Cookies: Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.

11. Let them Cool: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit before transferring them. After the cooling time, move them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Serving these festive cookies can be as simple or elaborate as you want. For a casual treat, place them in a decorative cookie jar or on a platter. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa.

For holiday gatherings, consider arranging them on a festive dessert table. You can complement them with other holiday treats like gingerbread men, peppermint bark, or chocolate-covered pretzels.

If you’re looking to make a lasting impression, consider packaging a few cookies in a small gift box tied with a colorful ribbon. This makes a thoughtful gift for neighbors, friends, or anyone who could use a little holiday cheer.

How to Store Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

Proper storage is key to keeping your cookies soft and fresh. Here are some tips for storing your Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies:

1. Cool Completely: First, ensure the cookies are completely cooled before storing them. Storing warm cookies can lead to condensation, causing them to become soggy.

2. Airtight Container: Place the cookies in an airtight container. You can separate layers of cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

3. Room Temperature: Store the cookies at room temperature for up to a week. They will remain soft and tasty.

4. Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag with as much air removed as possible. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature.

Tips to Make Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies

To ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips:

1. Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before mixing. This allows for better incorporation into the dough, leading to a softer cookie.

2. Do Not Overmix: When adding the cake mix, mix only until just combined to keep the cookies tender. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture.

3. Adjust Baking Time: Depending on your oven, the baking time may vary slightly. Keep an eye on the cookies, and bake until the edges are lightly golden while the center remains soft.

4. Don’t Skip the Chilling Step: If you have the time, chilling the dough can enhance the flavor and texture of the cookies.

5. Experiment with Sprinkles: Feel free to mix and match holiday sprinkles according to your preference or use different colors for a unique look.

Variation

While the original recipe is delightful, there are a few variations you can try to shake things up:

1. Chocolate Gooey Butter Cookies: Replace the yellow cake mix with chocolate cake mix for a chocolate version that is just as soft and gooey.

2. Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips: For some extra texture, consider adding chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or chocolate chips to the dough. This addition gives a delightful crunch and enhances the flavor.

3. Minty Version: Add a few drops of peppermint extract in place of vanilla for a minty twist. Pair it with green and white holiday sprinkles for a festive look.

4. Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a refreshing citrus flavor that complements the buttery goodness.

FAQs

1. Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?

While you can use reduced-fat cream cheese, the texture of the cookies may be affected. Full-fat cream cheese provides the best flavor and consistency for these cookies.

2. How do I know when the cookies are done?

Check that the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. They may look slightly under-baked in the center, but they will continue to set as they cool.

3. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can use different flavors of cake mix to create unique cookie variations according to your taste preferences.

4. How long do these cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies can stay fresh for up to one week at room temperature. If freezing, they can last for up to three months.

5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling into balls and baking.

These Irresistibly Soft Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your holiday baking repertoire. Their sweet flavor, gooey texture, and festive appeal make them a treat that everyone will love. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some holiday magic in your kitchen! Enjoy!

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